Throwback for third jersey is Packers' preference

Mark Murphy remains hopeful Packers will get chance to play in London

GREEN BAY – Those hoping to see the Packers try out a futuristic uniform on a Sunday afternoon at Lambeau Field will probably have to wait until the franchise has exhausted its historical options.

After unveiling the team’s latest third jersey at the annual shareholders meeting on Tuesday, President/CEO Mark Murphy told the media the prevailing internal sentiment is to use third jerseys to highlight a historical era, not design something brand new.

“It makes sense to have a throwback rather than a neon or brightly colored yellow,” Murphy said following the annual meeting, attended by just under 12,000 on a warm summer day. “It really accentuates the unique history and tradition we have.”

The new third jersey is a re-creation from Curly Lambeau’s closing stint as head coach, 1937-49, with gold numbers and shoulders on a navy background. The Packers won two league championships in that time, in 1939 and ’44, and Hall of Fame players such as Don Hutson and Tony Canadeo played then.

NFL rules allow teams to design third jerseys only once every five years. Green Bay’s previous one, a re-creation from 1929, the year of the franchise’s first title, was worn once each in 2010, ’11, ’13 and ’14.

The Packers will wear the third jersey this season for their home game on Sunday, Oct. 18, vs. San Diego. The uniform includes dusty gold pants and high navy socks, similar to what the Packers wore as part of the NFL’s 75th season celebration in 1994.

“That’s what we felt was the classic uniform we wore during those years,” Murphy said, explaining the team’s colors did change here and there. “The one common (element) was the gold yoke across the shoulders. I think it’s a unique look our fans will like.”

Murphy touched on a number of additional subjects, including the continued study of variable ticket pricing and concern for player safety, the investment in improved Wi-Fi connectivity inside Lambeau, and the league’s increased interest in getting a team in Los Angeles, which he characterized as a “high priority” now.

As he did in front of the shareholders, Murphy reiterated that an announcement on the “Titletown” development district for the land surrounding Lambeau Field is coming soon. He also noted that with the league creating more opportunities for games in London in the near future, the Packers might get a chance to play there.

A London game is not a given, though. Murphy has said the Packers won’t give up a home game to travel overseas, and other teams are reluctant to transfer a home date against the Packers because it’s practically a guaranteed sellout.

“I hope it happens,” Murphy said of a trip to London. “It think it would be good for the organization, in terms of our fan base.

“I know it’s on Aaron Rodgers’ bucket list. Anytime we can help Aaron achieve his bucket list, that would be good.”